Case Presenter

Position Details

• Division & Section: Employment & Social Services, Quality Control & Assurance
• Work Location: 111 Wellesley St E, Toronto
• Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Temporary (12 month) vacancy
• Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
• Affiliation: L79 Full-time
• Number of Positions Open: 1
• Posting Period: 15-Oct-2026 to 29-Oct-2026

Position Summary

Toronto Employment and Social Services (TESS) provides financial and social supports to social assistance recipients and City of Toronto residents. Eligibility decisions are made in accordance with Provincial directives and legislation, and in alignment with City policies. Clients have the right to appeal decisions made about the amount of assistance or benefits they are eligible to receive.

Reporting to the Manager, Program Support of TESS's Quality Control & Assurance Section, Case Presenters are an essential part of the Division in defending eligibility decisions by preparing oral and written submissions and making presentations to the Social Benefits Tribunal (SBT). Case presenters provide analytical expertise, advice, guidance and recommendations on issues pertaining to eligibility for social assistance, Divisional and Provincial policies and the application of various laws to those issues.

Major Responsibilities

• Provides analysis, expertise, consultation, guidance and formulations of creative solutions on cases that are under appeal to ensure that the eligibility decision adheres to Ontario Works Act, Legislation and City policies. Makes recommendations when a decision is challenged and provides advice on how to resolve the matter in compliance with existing policies, procedures, and guidelines. Breaks down complex information to communicate with clients and stakeholders in plain, simple language.
• Defends the Division's position on eligibility decisions affecting entitlement for social assistance. Prepares written and oral submissions to represent the City and defend eligibility decisions at the SBT. Liaises with internal and external stakeholders including clients, staff of all levels, and the legal community to achieve desired results.
• Supports, challenges, and cross-examines testimony and evidence presented before Tribunals, Boards, and the courts. Identifies, organizes, and participates in pre-hearing teleconferences, early resolution processes, and related proceedings. Provides guidance and preparation to local office staff and third-party witnesses appearing before these bodies, as appropriate. Acts as a witness and represents the City's interests in civil and criminal court proceedings when required.
• Identifies appeals, including Human Rights challenges, that cannot be resolved. Recommends to Senior Management whether representation is required at the Tribunal and Board and plans strategies to defend cases. Liaises and collaborates with other staff to effect timely completion of eligibility reassessments, corrections, or case management actions that impact the client's entitlement to assistance.
• Reviews files and staff's written submissions and ensures eligibility decisions meet Divisional policies and Provincial directives, are consistent with social assistance legislation, tenets of Natural Justice, provincial and federal privacy laws, and rules of evidence requirements. Validates and calculates overpayments to ensure that the correct amount of assistance was issued according to eligibility and legislative requirements.
• Identifies trends, themes and cases of general importance, and other decisions of the Tribunal and Board that impact Divisional policies and procedures. Discusses key observations with the Division's solicitor where appropriate. Provides recommendations to unit Senior Management.
• Reviews unsuccessful Tribunal decisions and assesses for fairness and errors, and identifies those cases requiring applications for reconsideration. Prepares and files written submissions and responses to the Tribunal and Board and client, lawyer or legal representatives.
• Performs quality control functions for the Division. Ensures compliance with appeals processes and procedures and general program file requirements. Researches, drafts and submits information and recommendations to various levels of management and the Division for amendments or changes to support consistent application of policy and improved outcomes.
• Compiles, researches, and assesses precedent-setting jurisprudence related to Tribunal and Board decisions, Provincial and Federal legislation, Provincial directives, and Divisional policies. Incorporates these principles and findings in oral and written submissions before the Tribunal and Board to enhance the successful defense of cases. Seeks creative solutions and ways to bring about early resolution to reduce ambiguity for the client and administrative pressures on the parties.
• Develops and provides manuals and training to the Appeals Review Unit and Divisional staff to promote and maintain a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. Provides information and advice to other units within the Division.
• Participates on various internal and external committees for the section and represents the unit as required.
• Acts as a witness on behalf of the City for civil and criminal court proceedings, as required.
• Provides information and responds to inquiries and requests from Division's legal counsel on appeals-related issues.
• Requests legal advice from Division's legal counsel.

Key Qualifications

• Considerable experience working in a regulatory environment interpreting and applying policy and legislation, researching and analyzing case files, and preparing supporting documentation to defend a position in relation to relevant legislation.
• Considerable experience in exercising critical judgement, analysis, and provi...